Kloster Bonlanden

Another wonderful day, too hot to undertake anything too physical however in the evening had to hitch up the trailer and drive the 25km to a small village north of Memmingen but just inside the state of Baden-Württemberg.

Angie had arranged for some large glass panels which we need to replace the plastic "walls" on the covered outdoor chicken run. The chickens use the run mainly in winter when lots of snow/rain and in summer as an alternative cooler brooding and egg laying area. It was actually forced on us by law some 5 or 6 years ago when the "Bird Flu" scare was at its peak - all (including hobby) poultry had to be confined to covered yards where they could not come in to contact with rain or possibly being bombed by passing wild bird faeces. Also, the sides must not allow any wild birds to gain access (sparrows seem to ignore "trespassing forbidden" signs).

Although no longer in force, it is a useful secure area and with the transparent plastic or glass, the wind is kept out and it remains light allowing a good sand bath in the depths of January.

After loading the glass and taking a quick look at a geese flock (see extra photo), we headed through the village and up the hill. The village is called Bonlanden which as all good German speakers will know means "good earth". presumably resulting from the one-time glacier and now River Iller which flows nearby.

In 1854 a priest realising the "value" of women in solving the spiritual and material problems in his parish, founded the convent for the education of girls and it became the HQ for further such establishments in the area. In 1926, the nuns started missionary work in South America and nowadays have 40 units there.

We arrived at almost 9:00 pm passing lots of children out on sports fields and hearing their voices in some of the buildings. However it was otherwise very tranquil,  the organic shop and cafe were now closed so we didn't get to learn very much but still enjoyed wandering around the convent and it's farm buildings. Saw on one of the signs they even have a bakery for making Mass Hosts. It would appear it also offers conference facilities and a homoeopathic medical unit.

Another of those places that warrant another visit ..... 
Some more impressions on Flickr